The first three or so days of you entering the Pilani region will be an unpredictable series of confusing experiences — from getting dejected by the lack of glitz at the entrance to staring in awe at the Clock Tower. Whether you are in the middle of experiencing withdrawal for the first time or aptly adjusting to the new life, there will be an abundance of activities to keep you on your feet.
The better half of your first day here would be taken up by admission formalities and taking pictures by the Clock Tower, the BITS Pilani sign, or anything remotely notable to show your friends and relatives. Unpacking your belongings and getting comfortable with your roommate is next. Usually, people either get along well with their roommate, and subsequently their wing, or loathe their existence and start designing the 10th Circle of Hell for them. Since you will be spending a lot of time with these people, cross fingers and hope you will fall into the first category. If you do not, just go out there and start meeting new people to see whom you click with. Joining a club will be a great assist in this endeavour.
Nearly every freshman will be roaming the various spots around campus with rose-tinted glasses, making it easy to find your future clique early on. Interactions at Rotunda, Sky Lawns, or any of the campus’ eateries are a great way to bump into not just your seniors but also your batchmates. However, bear in mind that not all exchanges go so smoothly, and that is for you to find out once you reach here.
If every other member of human society repulses you, visit the library and befriend a fellow nerd who shares your feelings. The continuously low temperatures provide a comfortable place for enjoying the library’s impressive collection or bemoaning social inequality with your new friend (reading more EPC articles is also always a possibility).
Choose between having your clothes cleaned by the Laundromat service or the dhobi. The former does not ensure your clothes will not get misplaced or have leftover iron burns but it is relatively more reliable with its deliveries. The dhobi only comes twice a week but might get the job done at a comparatively lower price depending on the hostel.
Between registering for courses, attending classes, and feeling guilty over picking up 8 AM ones, spare some time to explore the various eateries around campus. You will know where to go when you grow sick of the mess food after two weeks (sometimes literally).
While it may start to feel that academics has been on the back burner as you navigate the labyrinth of college life, you’ll be better off not doing so. Even a little effort every day improves your prospects of a better first semester GPA. So long as the little hamster in your brain does not perform better under pressure.
No article, no matter how comprehensive, could ever encapsulate the enormous number of experiences that await you. Do not take this article as a checklist of stuff you have to do. Rather use it as a key to the various doors you can go through and explore things the way that best befits you.